Standards of beauty change over time, and the cat world is no exception. The beauty queen’s crown has gone to different breeds in different eras. For a while the world worshipped Persians, then Siberians, more recently Sphynxes, and today?
Here are the most beautiful cat breeds!
No. 10: Persian
The Persian is proof that a fluffy cat never goes out of style; even today it makes every list of gorgeous cats. Although this longhaired beauty became famous back in the 16th and 17th centuries (that’s when Persians began to be bred deliberately in Europe), she doesn’t let it go to her head; she accepts all the honors she deserves calmly and even graciously.
True, these days it’s beneath her to catch mice (she forgot how long ago), and a Persian can’t live outdoors. But inside your home, she shows all the best qualities of a house cat: an affectionate nature and a calm temperament. And she’s simply beautiful and sweet!
Read also: cat breeds with big eyes.
No. 9: Bengal
When your family tree includes the wild Asian leopard cat along with Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Burmese and Egyptian Mau ancestors, you can’t help but be a beauty! Bengals are extremely smart and energetic. As natural athletes, they need constant exercise.
So if you think Bengals are the most beautiful cats of all, keep in mind that an ordinary apartment is too small for one. Yes, a Bengal will entertain you by switching lights on and off and opening and closing doors (including the fridge), but this cat needs space. Take your Bengal for walks on a harness, or build a catio, and play together!
Read also: the largest cat breeds.
No. 8: American Shorthair
Once upon a time in Europe, there lived a humble working cat, the kind that kept the barns and backyards of ordinary folks free of mice. When those folks set out for America in search of a better life in the 1600s, the cat didn’t miss the chance to find a better life too, and sailed after the settlers of the New World. According to legend, the first of them arrived on the famous Mayflower.
In their new home, the cats’ looks began to change, but their habits stayed the same. They were brave cats, afraid of neither bad weather nor small predators. They were prized as excellent ratters; during the Gold Rush, a good mouser could reportedly be worth more than a laborer’s wages.
Today the American Shorthair is valued above all for its wonderfully harmonious features. It may not be everyone’s idea of the most beautiful breed in the world, but for many people the American Shorthair is simply the best.
Read also: cat breeds with ear tufts.
No. 7: Toyger
Only a small number of catteries in the world breed the Toyger, a cat with gorgeous eyes and charming wild stripes all over its body. Cat breeds are often named after the place they came from, but the Toyger is different. This most beautiful of striped cats got its name from two English words: toy + tiger = toyger. And that happened fairly recently: the breed has been recognized for only a few decades.
Breeder Judy Sugden came up with the “toy tiger” in the 1980s. She started with Bengals and striped domestic cats and ended up with a designer breed. Toygers are companion cats with a gentle nature and the look of a wild predator.
Read also: tabby cat breeds.
No. 6: Maine Coon
Even though it has only recently become hugely popular, the Maine Coon has a family tree going back centuries. Maine Coons aren’t just among the most beautiful cats; they’re also among the biggest domestic cats. These “raccoon cats” (so nicknamed for their bushy, ringed tails and coat) usually weigh about 13–18 lb, and some big males reach 25 lb!
Yet these gentle giants have a very tactful nature. They love doing everything with their owner and helping out as best they can, but Maine Coons aren’t pushy. If you’re really busy, a Maine Coon will find something else to do for a while and won’t demand your attention. Keep in mind, though, that a Maine Coon can be jealous and may not welcome other animals on its turf.
Read also: the most expensive cat breeds.
No. 5: Snowshoe
Many beautiful cat breeds appeared quite recently, historically speaking. The Snowshoe, born in Philadelphia, got its breed standard only around 1980. White paws (four), a white blaze (one), a white patch on the chest (one): it all adds up to the perfect Snowshoe!
This man-made breed is truly unique. Just imagine how hard it is to produce a perfect Snowshoe, since controlling the white-spotting gene to get perfect socks and facial markings is very difficult! Snowshoes also have a very melodic voice, love to splash in water and bask (!) in the sun. Thanks to their good health and balanced temperament, they’re often called “no-problem cats.”
Read also: cat breeds with no tail.
No. 4: Scottish Fold
In 1961, the list of beautiful breeds gained the Scottish Fold. Fold-eared cats were known before, especially in Asia, but no one had made them an official breed. When a cat on Scottish farmer William Ross’s farm had kittens with unusual ears, he didn’t let it go unnoticed and decided to establish the folded-ear trait.
The breed was finally developed not in Scotland but in America, the land of great feline opportunity. Even today, every Scottish Fold’s ears fold differently, and you can’t predict at birth how they’ll turn out, since all kittens are born with straight ears and not all of them fold.
Read also: spotted cat breeds.
No. 3: Burmilla
The Burmilla is an English cat that came from an accidental mating between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian. This little puma with Cleopatra eyes is calm and clever. Owners need to take good care of her coat, since it’s the Burmilla’s greatest luxury. A shaded or tipped silver coat is typical of the breed.
In any group, the Burmilla is always the leader, even if the group is a pack of dogs. Keep those leadership qualities in mind if you dream of offering a Burmilla, if not your hand and heart, then a home and a bowl full of good food.
No. 2: Ragdoll
Here’s another American on our list of beautiful cats. The Ragdoll got its unusual name from the breed’s signature trait: it goes limp like a rag doll when you pick it up. Simply put, a Ragdoll will happily stay right where you set it down (and that has nothing to do with laziness). Ragdolls tend to prefer the floor to high places, are famously non-confrontational and follow their owner everywhere.
No. 1: The Most Beautiful Cat, the British Shorthair
Of course, any ranking like this is subjective; everyone puts their own favorite breed in first place. But if you add up beauty and popularity, British Shorthairs are clearly in the lead today. Often called “the businessperson’s cat,” the British Shorthair isn’t just good-looking; it handles being alone and its owner’s long absences well and always finds something to do.
There’s no such thing as an ugly cat. But some are especially sweet and lovely!
P.S. You can pick up a crown for your own house cat at the nearest pet store.
